caput medusae

a pattern of dilated cutaneous veins radiating from the umbilical area of a newborn. The feature is also observed in adults with cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension.

A term of art referring to the engorged veins that radiate from a recanalized umbilical vein—falciparum ligament in portal hypertension—which is most commonly seen in advanced cirrhosis, and is accompanied by ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, and patent hepatic veins

caput medusae

Medusa head Hepatology A term for the engorged veins that radiate from a recanalized umbilical vein–falciparum ligament in portal HTN, most common in advanced alcoholic cirrhosis, and accompanied by ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, patent hepatic veins

ca·put me·du·sae

(kap'ŭt me-dū'sē)

1. Varicose veins radiating from the umbilicus, seen in Cruveilhier-Baumgarten syndrome.

caput medusae

caput medusae

A conspicuous whorl of large veins sometimes seen radiating from the navel in CIRRHOSIS of the liver. This is an attempt to provide a shunt (collateral circulation) around obstructed liver veins. The Gorgon, Medusa, had snakes instead of hair, hence the name.

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